Overview & Reviews

GMC is a division of General Motors that focuses on producing SUVs, trucks and vans. Though GMC's vehicles are mechanically similar to related Chevrolet products, they are typically differentiated by unique features, trim levels and minor styling tweaks. The automaker's full-size pickups and SUVs are the most compelling offerings in its lineup; in many cases, its products in these categories are class-leading.

The marque's roots lie in the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, a truck manufacturer that was founded by Max Grabowski in 1902. The outfit was purchased by General Motors in 1909 with the intention of having it serve as a division dedicated to building tough and capable trucks. The brand came to be known as GMC Truck; early models include the T16 and T20. Most of the manufacturer's trucks were very utilitarian in nature and functioned as dump trucks, fire trucks and military vehicles. GMC Truck's 3/4-ton Model 16 saw duty in World War I, serving mostly as a battlefield ambulance.

Sales continued to climb in the 1920s. After switching to a six-cylinder Buick-built motor, GMC Truck's 1- and 2-ton trucks earned the distinction of being the fastest in their classes. By the '30s, the line had grown to include everything from half-ton pickups to 10-ton trucks and buses. New models included the popular 1936 Suburban, which was essentially a truck-based station wagon that paired a truck's utility with a car's creature comforts.

World War II was a time of expansion for GMC Truck, thanks to its acquisition of Yellow Truck & Coach. Once again, the automaker's vehicles were tapped for wartime duty. New models like the Jimmy and the DUKW (nicknamed the Duck) were widely used by American troops.

Postwar, GMC Truck models became more consumer-oriented, and many were revamped to offer styling that more closely resembled passenger cars. The 1950s and '60s witnessed an upswing in sales, thanks to the popularity of recreational vehicles like GMC-based motor homes and pickup campers. The Jimmy name was revived and assigned to the brand's first ever sport-utility vehicle in 1970. That decade and the next saw a continued rise in the brand's popularity. The early '90s saw the brief appearance of the Syclone and Typhoon. The former was a small street pickup that burned up the asphalt with its turbocharged V6 and all-wheel drive. The latter was essentially a two-door SUV based on the same platform. Either one of these oddball speedsters could rip through a quarter-mile in around 14 seconds flat, making them among the quickest vehicles ever offered by General Motors. Also, by this time, GMC Truck had trimmed its moniker; the brand is now known simply as GMC.

In the past few decades, GM has consolidated its products and GMC's trucks have become less individualistic as a result. Today, most of GMC's vehicles are virtually identical to those sold by Chevrolet. The main differences lie in minor features and design tweaks that give GMC's offerings a more upscale image.

User Reviews:

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  Great utility vehicle - 1993 GMC Jimmy
  By Steve - December 22 - 12:06 pm

  This has been the most fun vehicle I have owned. Very well designed and built. I really liked the full frame under it, which makes it very strong. The only problems I have had was I needed to replace the MPFI unit. It should have been under warranty, but the dealer refused to replace it. I have also had to replace the fuel pump relay twice. Being an SLT model, it has all the "bells and whistles" like leather interior, CD player, electronic 4 wheel drive, keyless remote, power mirrors and seats with lumbar support, etc. I would not hesitate to buy another if I needed one but mine is still running great.

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  good car - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By michael k m - December 22 - 10:00 am

  i love the way it looks and drives. the only problem i have had is to replace the front brakes. this is a good luxary SUV. i recomend it to anyone.

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  I love this vehicle - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By vcook7 - December 17 - 9:50 pm

  We bought a SLT-2 v6 and we couldnt be happier with it. We shopped around for a while before we settled on this one. We looked at a dodge Journey (not impressed at all) a buick enclave (way to pricey)a Ford Escape ( nice but didnt have the features that the terrain has) and a Chevy Equinox ( also nice but compared to the the terrain it just felt cheap). No one could match the quality, price, warranty, and EMG of the Terrain.

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  2nd Yukon XL - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Dawne Miller - December 16 - 6:36 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle, Its so much better than a Suburban - no comparison! Anyone with kids who play sports, or have friends who travel will love this SUV. It gets good gas mileage, especilaly on the road! This is our second XL. The 1st one had 135,000 miles in 4 years - Love it, love it, love it!

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  Couldnt be happier - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By tony - December 15 - 4:39 pm

  I have owned it for almost two years - 22,000 miles. Not one problem and it rides better today than when I purchased it. I owned a Highlander and this is much, much better. My mileage has improved in the last year. When I bought it there where not squeaks or rattles - I hoped it would remain like that - not sure if its better but it couldt be quieter. Love this vehicle!

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  XL is all around Xcellent - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Affaires101 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The Envoy XL offers lots of room and comfort.

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  Impressed! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Doug - December 12 - 6:10 am

  I am very pleased with vehicle. It has 110,000 miles and it still smells and drives like a new one. I have had different brands of vehicles, but not with the quality this Yukon XL has. I would never buy another Toyota after driving this GMC. I am very satisfied with everything this machine has to offer! I have been driving GM vehicles for 40 years now and I havent found anything yet that even comes close to the quality! Thankyou GMC

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  A Great Cross Country Trooper - 1996 GMC Savana
  By Martin - December 11 - 9:41 pm

  We have owned this vehicle for three years now and it has been great transportation. We had purchased it to make regular back and forth trips from Texas To California but wound up moving to Pennsylvania. It was a great ride in the cross country expeditions. We have used to haul machines, lumber, water purifiers and just plain traveling. We like the capacity as we carry people to church on Sunday and have had as many as 15 on the run. We would buy it again. The only real problem we have had was with a engine sensor that only happened while traveling in the California Desert and that was only once. Havent had any other issues. Would recommend this baby to anyone who wanted a roomy ride.

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  Awesome Pickup - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By rossco10 - December 9 - 9:20 pm

  Awesome pickup. College kid and I love it. Only downside cant find any aftermarket parts.

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  Too Early To Tell, But....... - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By frostydog - December 9 - 2:00 am

  First GM in 30 years. Volvo/Mercedes/Chrysler convert. Used dealer trade search to get 2WD, 5.3, 3.42, SD1 package, and middle buckets. Paid right at what Edmunds says is fair value. Just back from 1500 mile trip and ride is just super on interstate. With 3.42 was turning 1,800 rpm at 70. Got 18.6 MPG at 70 MPH. Thats just 3 less than old Chrysler minivan. In cruise, it pulled up a 6 degree grade without downshifting. Great torque. Overall quality is much better than I expected. GMC has closed the gap on the Japanese and Germans. Ill check back in 200,000 and let you know about reliability.